THL Credit Reports First Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Declares a Dividend of $0.27 Per Share

Published 4:06 PM ET Thu, 4 May 2017
Globe Newswire

BOSTON, May 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- THL Credit, Inc. (NASDAQ:TCRD) (“THL Credit” or the “Company”), a direct lender to lower middle market companies, announced today financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017. Additionally, THL Credit announced that its Board of Directors has declared a second fiscal quarter 2017 dividend of $0.27 per share payable on June 30, 2017, to stockholders of record as of June 15, 2017.

HIGHLIGHTS

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Portfolio results

As of March 31, 2017

Total assets

$711.9

Investment portfolio, at fair value

$693.1

Net assets

$386.2

Net asset value per share, attributable to THL Credit

$11.71

Weighted average yield on investments

11.4%

Quarter ended March 31, 2017

Quarter ended March 31, 2016

Portfolio activity

Total portfolio investments made, at par

$39.3

$54.7

Number of new portfolio investments

2

2

Number of portfolio investments at end of period

47

52

Operating results

Total investment income

$19.8

$22.6

Net investment income

$9.7

$13.4

Net increase in net assets from operations

$5.3

$ -

Net investment income per share

$0.29

$0.40

Dividends declared per share

$0.27

$0.34

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITYIn the first quarter, THL Credit closed on two new investments totaling $28.5 million and an additional $10.8 million in follow-on investments in seven existing portfolio companies.

New investments, including follow-on investments, for the first quarter included:

$22.5 million (CAD $30.0 million) first lien senior secured term loan in Fairstone Financial Inc., a Canadian based consumer finance company;

$5.8 million first lien senior secured term loan and $1.7 million revolver commitment in Sciens Building Solutions, LLC, a fire detection services company;

$2.5 million investment in the subordinated term loan and preferred equity of A10 Capital, LLC; and

$4.3 million to fund follow-on investments in five other portfolio companies.

Notable realizations for the quarter included:

$7.2 million from the sale of CLO residual interests in Flagship VII, Ltd. and Flagship VIII, Ltd.

These transactions bring the total fair value of THL Credit’s investment portfolio to $693.1 million across 47 portfolio investments at the end of the first quarter. As of March 31, 2017, THL Credit’s investment portfolio at fair value was allocated 57 percent in first lien senior secured debt, which includes unitranche investments, 15 percent in second lien debt, 3 percent in subordinated debt, 9 percent in the Logan JV, 2 percent in other income-producing securities and 14 percent in equity securities and warrants. The weighted average yield on new investments made in the first quarter of 2017 was 11.7 percent. As of March 31, 2017, the weighted average yield of the debt and income-producing securities, including the Logan JV, in the investment portfolio at their current cost basis was 11.4 percent. As of March 31, 2017, THL Credit had loans in three issuers on non-accrual status with an aggregate amortized cost of $13.4 million and fair value of $0.8 million, or 1.9 percent and 0.1 percent of the portfolio’s amortized cost and fair value, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, 89 percent of its debt investments bore interest based on floating rates, which may be subject to interest rate floors, such as LIBOR, and 11 percent bore interest at fixed rates.

This compares to the portfolio as of Dec. 31, 2016, which had a fair value of $669.2 million across 47 portfolio investments allocated 55 percent in first lien senior secured debt, which includes unitranche investments, 14 percent in second lien debt, 4 percent in subordinated debt, 9 percent in the Logan JV, 4 percent in other income-producing securities and 14 percent in equity securities and warrants. The weighted average yield of the debt and other income-producing securities in the investment portfolio, including the Logan JV, at their cost basis was 11.2 percent. As of Dec. 31, 2016, THL Credit had loans in three issuers on non-accrual status with an aggregate amortized cost of $13.8 million and fair value of $6.9 million, or 2.1 percent and 1.0 percent of the portfolio’s amortized cost and fair value, respectively. As of Dec. 31, 2016, 89 percent of its debt investments bore interest based on floating rates, which may be subject to interest rate floors, such as LIBOR, and 11 percent bore interest at fixed rates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Investment income Total investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $19.8 million and $22.6 million, respectively, and consisted of $14.5 million and $17.6 million of interest income on debt securities (which included PIK interest of $0.8 million and $0.6 million and prepayment premiums of $0.1 million and $0.0 million, respectively), $3.1 million and $2.4 million of dividend income, $1.3 million and $1.8 million of interest income on other income-producing securities, and $0.9 million and $0.8 million of other income, including fees from THL Credit’s managed vehicles, respectively.

The decrease in investment income between the three month periods was primarily due to the contraction in overall investment portfolio since March 31, 2016, which led to lower interest income, and additional loans that were put on non-accrual status or were restructured into non-income producing securities. This decrease was offset primarily by an increase in dividend income related to the Logan JV.

Expenses Expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were $10.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, base management fees were $2.6 million and $2.9 million, incentive fees were $1.3 million and $0.0 million, administrator and other expenses were $1.7 million and $2.2 million and fees and expenses related to THL Credit’s borrowings were $4.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, THL Credit recorded an income tax provision related to its consolidated blocker corporations, excise and other taxes of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

The increase in operating expenses between the three month periods was due primarily to higher costs related to borrowings and higher incentive fees. This increase was offset by lower base management fees as a result of portfolio contraction and lower other operating expenses.

Net investment incomeNet investment income totaled $9.7 million and $13.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, or $0.29 and $0.40 per share based upon 32,925,369 and 33,303,242 weighted average common shares outstanding, respectively.

The decrease in net investment income between the three month periods is primarily attributable to a decrease in interest on debt investments and a higher incentive fee. This was offset by lower base management fees and an increase in dividend income related to the Logan JV.

Net realized gains and losses on investmentsFor the three months ended March 31, 2017, THL Credit recognized a realized loss of $1.5 million on the sale of its two remaining CLO investments in Flagship VII, Ltd. and Flagship VIII, Ltd., which was offset by a change in unrealized appreciation totaling the same amount. THL Credit also recognized a $0.6 million gain from an investment in Gryphon Partners 3.5, L.P. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, THL Credit recognized a net realized loss on portfolio investments of $16.5 million, primarily related to a $17.1 million realized loss recognized in connection with the restructurings of THL Credit’s investments in Dimont & Associates, Inc. and OEM Group, LLC.

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investmentsFor the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, THL Credit’s investment portfolio had a net change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of $(3.7) million and $3.4 million, respectively.

The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on our investments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 was driven primarily by unrealized depreciation as a result of changes in capital market conditions and the financial performance of certain portfolio companies.

Benefit (provision) for taxes on unrealized gain on investmentsFor the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, THL Credit recognized an income tax benefit (provision) for taxes on unrealized gains of $0.2 million and ($0.1) million related to consolidated subsidiaries, respectively.

The change in provision for taxes on unrealized gains on investments relates primarily to changes in the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the investments held in taxable consolidated subsidiaries, other temporary differences and a change in the prior year estimates received from certain portfolio companies.

Realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on interest rate derivativeFor the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, THL Credit’s interest rate derivative agreement had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $0.0 million and ($0.1) million, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, THL Credit recognized a realized loss related to amounts paid on the interest rate derivative of $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The changes for the respective periods were due to capital market changes impacting swap rates.

Change in net assets resulting from operationsChange in net assets resulting from operations totaled $5.3 million and $0.0 million, or $0.16 and $0.00 per share based upon 32,925,369 and 33,303,242 weighted average common shares outstanding, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The increase in net assets resulting from operations for the respective periods is due primarily to net realized and unrealized losses in the portfolio.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, INCLUDING LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2017, THL Credit had cash of $2.5 million. THL Credit’s liquidity and capital resources are derived from its credit facilities, equity and debt raises and cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments, and income earned. THL Credit’s primary use of funds includes making investments in portfolio companies, payment of dividends to stockholders and funding operating expenses. THL Credit used, and expects to continue to use, these capital resources, together with proceeds from the turnover within the portfolio and from future public and private offerings of securities to finance its investment objectives.

As of March 31, 2017, THL Credit had $317.6 million in outstanding borrowings, which was comprised of $75.0 million outstanding on the term loan facility, $132.6 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility and $110.0 million of notes payable outstanding. As of March 31, 2017, borrowings outstanding had a weighted average interest rate of 4.59 percent. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, THL Credit borrowed $39.4 million and repaid $14.5 million under the credit facilities and notes payable.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, THL Credit’s operating activities used cash of $19.8 million primarily from the purchases of investments. Its financing activities provided $24.9 million of net borrowings on its credit facility and used $8.9 million for distributions to stockholders.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, THL Credit’s operating activities provided cash of $19.9 million primarily from the sales and repayments of investments. Its financing activities used $6.3 million to repay borrowings on its credit facility, $11.3 million for distributions to stockholders and $0.5 million to repurchase common stock.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On March 8, 2016, THL Credit’s board of directors authorized a $25.0 million stock repurchase program. This stock repurchase program terminated on March 8, 2017. On March 7, 2017, THL Credit’s board of directors authorized a new $20.0 million stock repurchase program. Unless extended by its board of directors, the stock repurchase program will terminate on March 7, 2018 and may be modified or terminated at any time for any reason without prior notice. The timing and amount of any stock repurchases will depend on the terms and conditions of the repurchase program and no assurances can be given that any particular amount will be purchased. THL Credit has provided its stockholders with notice of its intention to repurchase shares of its common stock in accordance with 1940 Act requirements. THL Credit will retire immediately all such shares of common stock that it purchases in connection with the stock repurchase program. There were no share repurchases for the three month period ending March 31, 2017. For the three month period ended March 31, 2016, THL Credit repurchased 0.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of approximately $10.62 per share, inclusive of commissions, or a weighted average discount to its net asset value of 15.7 percent. The total dollar amount of shares repurchased during the three month period ended March 31, 2016 was $0.5 million.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

From Apr. 1, 2017 through May 4, 2017, THL Credit closed two new first lien senior secured debt investments totaling $16.0 million and $0.5 million of common equity in the consumer products and services industry and two follow-on first lien senior secured debt investments totaling $0.9 million. The new and follow-on floating rate investments have a combined weighted average yield based upon cost at the time of the investment of 9.6 percent.

On Apr. 24, 2017, THL Credit received proceeds of $8.3 million from the repayment of its senior secured first lien term loan in HEALTHCAREfirst, Inc., at par.

On May 2, 2017, THL Credit’s board of directors declared a dividend of $0.27 per share payable on June 30, 2017 to stockholders of record at the date of business on June 15, 2017.

On May 4, 2017, THL Credit sold its $17.5 million second lien term loan in Hostway Corporation, with an amortized cost basis of $17.3 million, for $16.4 million. In connection with the sale, THL Credit recognized a realized loss of $0.9 million and reversed $2.6 million of unrealized depreciation resulting in a net asset value increase of $1.7 million in the second quarter.

CONFERENCE CALL

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results and its business outlook on May 5, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The conference call will be led by Sam W. Tillinghast and Christopher J. Flynn, co-chief executive officers, and Terrence W. Olson, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

For those wishing to participate by telephone, please dial (877) 375-9141 (domestic) or (253) 237-1151 (international). Use passcode 3756009. The Company will also broadcast the conference call live via the Investor Relations section of its website at www.THLCreditBDC.com. Starting approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call, a replay will be available through May 12, 2017, by dialing (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and entering passcode 3756009. The replay will also be available on the THL Credit’s website.

AVAILABLE INFORMATIONTHL Credit’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, earnings releases, investor presentation and other financial information are available on its website at www.THLCreditBDC.com.

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations per common share:

Basic and diluted

$

0.16

$

-

Dividends declared and paid

$

0.27

$

0.34

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:

Basic and diluted

32,925

33,303

About THL Credit, Inc.

THL Credit, Inc. (NASDAQ:TCRD) is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company’s investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation, primarily through directly originated first lien secured loans, including unitranche investments. In certain instances, the Company also makes second lien, subordinated, or mezzanine debt investments, which may include an associated equity component such as warrants, preferred stock or other similar securities and direct equity co-investments. The Company targets investments primarily in lower middle market companies with annual EBITDA generally between $5 million and $25 million that require capital for growth and acquisitions. The Company is headquartered in Boston, with additional investment teams in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. The Company’s investment activities are managed by THL Credit Advisors LLC, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. For more information, please visit www.THLCreditBDC.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect various assumptions by the Company concerning anticipated results and are not guarantees of future performance. The accuracy of such statements involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that, in some ways, are beyond management’s control, including the factors described from time to time in filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.